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Adisha Waghmarae, M.HR, B.SW
Director for DEI: Outreach and Engagement
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Adisha Waghmarae serves as the new program director for DEI: outreach and engagement. She is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was born during apartheid.
Adisha played as a DII tennis athlete at East Central University where she completed her bachelor's degree in medical social work and minored in biology. She then received a master's degree in human relations with a focus on human trafficking awareness at The University of Oklahoma.
At OU, she has developed her career as a student affairs professional through her former position as a residence life coordinator in the residence life department. She has participated in projects with nonprofit organizations, such as ABC Nepal, to raise the overall status of marginalized communities with special focus on women and youth.
She currently serves as a board member for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma.
Her research interests include women’s issues, human rights issues, cultural awareness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. In her spare time, she takes pleasure in traveling, meeting new people, and playing tennis.
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Marina Rodriguez, M.Ed
Program Director for TRIO Programs: Upward Bound
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Marina Rodriguez serves as the new program director for TRIO Upward Bound. After receiving a bachelor’s degree with a focus on global affairs, she went on to earn a master’s degree in adult & higher education administration from the University of Oklahoma.
Throughout her time at OU, Marina’s main goal has been to increase both the access and success of students from low-income, first-generation homes, and those with diverse cultural backgrounds.
She has a passion for working with high school students and loves helping them meet their personal and professional goals. In her spare time, Marina enjoys traveling, cooking, working out, and spending time with family and friends..
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Melissa McBride, M.HR, B.A.
TRIO Administrative
Coordinator
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Melissa McBride serves as the new TRIO administrative coordinator. Melissa graduated Summa Cum Laude with two degrees from the University of Oklahoma: a bachelor of arts in psychology with a minor in sociology- (criminology) and a master’s degree in human relations.
While obtaining her undergraduate degree, Melissa worked for the OU I.T. Learning Spaces team, where she helped enhance the technological experience of professors, faculty, and students across campus. After graduation, Melissa worked with at-risk youth at a nonprofit organization in Norman.
During this time, Melissa ran the volunteer and community relations program for the agency. Additionally, she taught psychoeducational classes to the children residing in the emergency youth shelter, before moving into the human resources department.
In her spare time, Melissa loves to spend time with her family, read, listen to music, and play with her two dogs.
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International Mother Language Day
Do you speak a language other than English as your first language? Are you learning a heritage language? Is multilingualism important to you?
The DEI Office will be celebrating International Mother Language Day on Monday, Feb. 21, and we'd like to share your language story! If you are interested in recording a very short (30-second to 1.5-minute) video about why your mother language is important to you, email diversity.inclusion@ou.edu or visit https://bit.ly/IMLDvideos to share your story. All OU students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to participate. Videos can be in English or the language of your choice!
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Black History Month Signature Event: Soul Food Junkies with Byron Hurt
Get ready to get your Soul Food on with Byron Hurt as he discusses his film
Soul Food Junkies for our BHM Tri-Campus Signature Event! Learn more about the history and significance of soul food with a film screening and a webinar!
P.S. There will also be a sampling of soul food from local Black-owned businesses!
and sign up for the Zoom!
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News and Involvement Opportunities |
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TRIO Program Spotlight:
An Interview With Sophia Bolin-Dils
Despite her busy schedule, DEI was able to set up an interview with McNair Scholars Program director, Sophia Bolin-Dils, who shared her experience with the program, its impact on OU and her personal life, and where she believes the program is heading.
What does McNair mean to you? What inspires your efforts and goals within the program?
SB: On the micro-level, working in McNair means helping outstanding students achieve their dreams. The macro-level result and focus of McNair is helping diversify the professoriate. I am continually inspired by our scholars who overcome challenges to produce knowledge through research and earn graduate degrees. My goal is lofty – helping reach a critical mass of McNair Scholars serving as academic leaders to ensure a more just higher education environment.
How would you describe your students and their work to the world?
SB: McNair Scholars are among the most intelligent, insightful, and motivated students on campus. The research they produce helps us better understand the world, solve problems, and improve lives. Despite full schedules, our scholars are also wonderful about being available to encourage each other and serve as role models for students from similar backgrounds.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned throughout your time with the McNair Scholars?
SB: Perfection isn’t necessary for excellence and can be toxic. Academia fosters perfectionism and imposter syndrome, hampering progress and causing unnecessary stress.
What are your dreams and ambitions for the McNair program?
SB: My dream is that every McNair Scholar and TRIO-eligible student recognizes their value and feels empowered to achieve their goals. I am driven to do everything in my power to provide our scholars the experiences, support, and encouragement they deserve on the path to earning doctoral degrees.
"Thank you!"
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If you're interested in taking part in our DEI Week:
Creating a Community of Care, please read below on submitting a proposal! We can't wait to hear your ideas!
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During our DEI Week 2022, we are hosting an art walk and want to feature YOUR WORK!
If you want to share your art and creativity with the world and build new connections, sign up below! We know you're talented and can't wait to see what you have in store!
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What Do I Believe?
Perceptions of People with Disabilities
Donna Lewis
Digital Specialist
Certified Professional in Accessibility in Core Competencies
Imagine a few scenarios:
A student sits with her advisor to identify courses needed for the upcoming semester. The student has a disability that requires that course materials work with text to speech assistive technology applications. The student is deeply concerned about potential retaliation by instructors if she advocates for these accommodations, which may require extra time and effort on the part of the instructors.
For any questions or assistance please contact the ADRC at
adrc@ou.edu.
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Spring Faculty and Staff Series
We're ready to tell you about our first Faculty and Staff Series of the semester! On Monday, March. 7 speaker Danny Bogard will lead an insightful session on
"Reconciling Vulnerability and Professional Life."
The webinar will take place from noon- 1:30 p.m. on Zoom, with the link coming soon!
Get ready for a dynamic and informative session to implement into your professional life!
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OU Employee Resource Groups
At OU, the Employee Resource Groups are an open forum for individuals with a shared identity to build community and a place of belonging.
ERGs are available at all three campuses and include Black faculty and staff/ African American faculty and staff (OUHealth), Latinx Coalition, Indigenous faculty and staff Circle, LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, Middle Eastern North African faculty and staff, and Asian Pacific Islander Desi Indian faculty and staff.
For any questions about ERG
please send an email to
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Request Customized Training
With DEI
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In a community of care, members are engaged in continuous education via workshops and training sessions like the ones scheduled by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those options are listed on the DEI calendar.
Sometimes, however, training needs to be customized to fit the experiences of a college or administrative department. To request a customized training or to facilitate conversations, we invite you to complete an online form. |
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Request a customized training session by clicking on the bottom below: |
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team is looking forward to your requests!
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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | United We Stand
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